On a beautiful sunny day last week, Uillinn West Cork Arts Centre hosted Cork County Council’s Community of Practice Socially Engaged Art Event!
Socially engaged artists, arts workers, social prescribing link workers, and healthcare professionals gathered together for a day of networking, conversation, and shared learning. The morning included talks by musician Kevin McNally and visual artist Toma McCullim. Uillinn Programme Manager, Justine Foster, also presented. The afternoon offered the opportunity to participate in an exhibition tour and creative response with Sylwia Migdal, or dance workshop with Esmée O’Brien.
To begin the day, Cork County Council Assistant Arts Officer, Emma Dwyer, welcomed everyone to Uillinn. In 2024, Emma initiated a community of practice for socially engaged artists living in County Cork. The group meets 4 – 6 times a year, and acts as a space for socially engaged artists to connect with peers. This event served as an extension of the community of practice, and offered attendees the opportunity to connect with people working in many different aspects of socially engaged arts.
‘How do you approach socially engaged projects?’
Musician, composer, and facilitator Kevin McNally opened the morning’s presentations, speaking on the question, ‘How do you approach socially engaged projects?’ First giving an introduction to his practice and guiding principles, Kevin touched briefly on two projects, Reverb at Clonakilty International Guitar Festival, and the West Cork Ukulele Orchestra. Kevin spoke about the role of the socially engaged artist in building community, and facilitating an atmosphere in which connection is felt. He presented a case study on his project Party Piece in the Caha Centre, Adrigole.
Party Piece aims to bring the power of the session from the night-time pub setting, to the day-time community setting. Kevin explained that there is no teaching, no leading, and no predetermined outcomes. The sessions have an anchor musician and everyone is welcomed into the space. The venue and room layout play a key role in the success of a session. Feedback from participants noted that the atmosphere is safe and supportive. The sessions help to build participants confidence, give a sense of focus and purpose, and help to grow friendships.
Arts for Health Timeline
Uillinn Programme Manager Justine Foster followed Kevin’s presentation with an overview of the Arts for Health Partnership Programme Timeline. Justine created the timeline as part of her Research Masters last year. Spanning from 1998 to 2024, Justine documented and reviewed the programme within the context of national and international arts and health developments.
In presenting the timeline, Justine explained that Arts for Health was founded on one simple but radical idea: older people in residential settings deserve access to high quality arts and cultural experiences. Justine’s presentation outlined how the programme began, what has enabled it to continue for over two decades, and the direction the programme is moving in now.
‘How do you make a connection in socially engaged work?’
‘I’m not a doctor, I’m not a patient, I’m a person with a bucket!’
Toma McCullim launched into her presentation with a song. Waving a bucket and singing ‘there’s a hole in my bucket….’, Toma demonstrated how she immediately sets the scene and lets people know ‘strange things are going to happen.’ Discussing different projects including Secret Life of Things, 110 Skibbereen Girls, and Wheel of Dreams, Toma explained how she connects with people through stories, laughing, ritual, and sharing.
When speaking about Salt & Pepper, Toma mentioned how process played an important role in connection. She noted that it is important for the process to be something that everyone can get right, and there’s no way to get it wrong. It is necessary for participants to feel proficient in order to build self-esteem and identity.
Afternoon Workshops
After lunch, Public Engagement Assistant Sylwia Migdal led a tour of Uillinn’s Members and Friends Exhibition. Attendees explored artworks by artists from across West Cork spanning all levels including professional, student, and amateur artists. Afterwards, the group creatively responded to the works.
Dance Artist in Residence Esmée O’Brien facilitated a dance workshop focused on improvised movement. Participants played with movement dynamics, specific motifs, and partner improvisation.
Cork County Council’s socially engaged art event was a wonderful day of learning, networking, and inspiration. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us!